The Vermont State Police changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Vermont boat and PWC safety course and test was discontinued on February 2, 2009.

• Take the NEW Boat Vermont Online Course!

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Vermont's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher.

Vermont State Police

Welcome Message

On behalf of the Vermont Department of Public Safety and the Vermont State Police Marine Division, we welcome you to Boat Vermont, a course on responsible boating. This course is required for persons born after January 1, 1974, who are 10 years of age or older and who plan to operate a motorboat on Vermont’s waterways. Successful completion of the course will entitle you to a certificate that is required by law to be carried when operating a motorboat on Vermont's waters.

Vermont contains over 700 bodies of water for your boating enjoyment. Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog are the two largest bodies of water with many small lakes, ponds, and streams scattered throughout the State. The State registers approximately 40,000 boats annually. This number does not include non-powered boats or transient boat traffic which would more than double the number of in-state registered boats. With an increasing number of boats utilizing our waterways, boating safety is a paramount concern.

Vermonters saw the need for mandatory boater safety education in our state more than 15 years ago. Since that date, the number of boating accidents and fatalities have decreased.

This course will provide you with the basic knowledge to operate safely on Vermont’s waterways. It will be your responsibility to practice this knowledge. Safe and responsible boaters will insure that Vermont’s waterways remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you for your interest in boating safety.

Dedication

This manual is dedicated to the many volunteer boating safety instructors who donate their time to help boaters learn safe and responsible boating practices. This course would not be possible without the unselfish commitment of these volunteers.

Vermont State Police Marine Division

The State of Vermont is known for its excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are many lakes and rivers that offer great boating opportunities to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The mission of the Vermont State Police Marine Division is to ensure that the boating public operate their vessels in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth and established by the Vermont General Assembly for the protection of persons, property and environment. Additionally, the unit is charged with promoting boating safety education statewide.

The State Boating Law Administrator with an Assistant Coordinator, Education Coordinator and R.V. Mechanic Specialist see to the daily operations of the Marine Division.

The Marine Division receives funding from the federal Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund which is administered by the U.S. Coast Guard and from a portion of the Vermont motorboat registration fees.

To achieve the law enforcement and boating safety missions, the Marine Division Unit employs Vermont State Police Auxiliary Troopers and maintains a fleet of boats ranging in size from fourteen to thirty feet in length. The Auxiliary Troopers have been a part of the Vermont State Police cadre since 1960. Although their main mission is to support the Marine Division Unit, they are always available to aid and assist with the full-time mission of the Vermont State Police.

We want you to enjoy your time on Vermont’s waterways. Please, operate your boat responsibly and always wear a life jacket. Our mission is complete when every boater has a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

Courtesy Safety Inspections

Get your free safety inspection from the Vermont State Police! Upon successful completion of a safety inspection, the boat owner is awarded a safety inspection decal that signifies compliance with Vermont’s boating equipment requirements. Affix this decal on the port (left) front half of the vessel. Contact the Vermont State Police Marine Division at 802-878-7111.

Vermont State Police Offices